The jury sentenced Catherine Lynn Roberts to 10 years in prison for each of the two counts against her in the death of Meghann Smith.
CONROE- Doug and Margaret Smith of Montgomery lived every parent’s worst nightmare last Oct. 26, when an officer knocked on their front door and they learned their 18-year-old daughter would never cross that threshold again. Meghann Smith was killed by an intoxicated driver as she stood on the side of SH 105 West at Sapp Road, where she and her boyfriend were forced to make an emergency stop to change a flat tire.
Friday evening marked a bittersweet victory for the Smith family when 47-year-old Catherine Lynn Roberts of Panorama Village, was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in the 435th District Court of Judge Michael T. Seiler.
According to Meghann’s boyfriend, Lance Barton, and investigators, Roberts stopped long enough to learn she struck the teen, and then she fled. Barton, who was 19 at the time, was left alone with Meghann on the side of the road. Barton made a gut wrenching 911 call, trying to get help for his girlfriend, but it was too late.
The teen had the presence of mind to describe Roberts and her vehicle to the call taker. A description was broadcast and a patrol officer spotted and stopped Roberts, who failed a field sobriety test and was found to have a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.
The punishment phase of the trial begins today. Additional details and the family’s reaction will be posted after Roberts’ sentencing.
